Shadows won't lead Zimbabwe anywhere

The demise of any nation starts when those who claim to have its best interest at heart resort to calls for violence and anarchy in order to get their way. Such is the nature of the MDC-T, as that party has displayed in its 16 years' existence.

That the MDC-T is a violent party is not in dispute, as that party's members have willingly confirmed it. One such member is Godfrey Sibanda, who recently revealed at the Bulawayo Magistrates' Court that violence that broke out at that party's 2014 congress was sparked by rival youths campaigning for Douglas Mwonzora and Nelson Chamisa, who were both contesting the secretary-general's post.

Sibanda was testifying in the trial of MDC-T Bulawayo youth chairperson Mlandu Ncube and youth member Donaldson Mabutho. The duo is alleged to have assaulted one Shelton Tembo. Describing the chaotic scenes in court, Sibanda said "the fight arose over the people who would get into the venue and there was a serious fight. People assaulted each other. It was so serious. I cannot tell who assaulted Tembo, because even myself, I was lucky not to have been arrested or injured because everyone was busy fighting. Tembo and I were supporting Chamisa, while Ncube and others supported Mwonzora."

Sibanda's timely revelations flew in the face of allegations that supposed Zanu-PF agents were responsible for the violence that always characterises the MDC-T.

Sibanda confirmed what sober citizens have always known, that the MDC-T thrives on violence and hooliganism. It, therefore, sends shivers down the spine of peace-loving Zimbabweans to hear that same bloodthirsty party calling for a demonstration against Government, ostensibly to protest over the economic challenges being faced in the country.

Despite claims that the march being planned by the MDC-T will be peaceful, history has shown and Godfrey Sibanda, Elton Mangoma, Tendai Biti and others, have at one time or the other, confirmed that anything related to the MDC-T has violence as a major characteristic.

Violent marches by the MDC-T will not help the nation in any way. What the meaningless marches will only achieve is to disturb Zimbabweans from going about their normal business as drunk, violent MDC-T youths run amok in the streets.

It is sad that that party's leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, has in 16 years or so, failed to realise that violence or threats of violence or mob psychology will not win him the hearts and votes of Zimbabweans. His penchant for violence and anarchy has greatly contributed to his dwindling political standing as people, even some within his own party, are tired of holding their breath waiting for him to come up with at least one brilliant idea.

It is no wonder that some MDC-T officials like Nelson Chamisa are pushing for leadership change within that party. Chamisa is on record as having once described the MDC-T as "anaemic and weak" in a Facebook post. It is also small wonder that that party has been rocked by factional fights that are intensifying by the day. At times, these factional fights have turned bloody as what happened at the funeral of the late Thamsanqa Mahlangu in Bulawayo in October last year.

Previous attempts by the MDC-T to hold illegal demonstrations have also ended in violent confrontations with members of the police trying to keep the peace and prevent the drunk youths from disturbing other citizens going about their business.

Tsvangirai has over the course of his over-ambitious and dreamy political career established himself as the godfather of violence and now reigns over a violent and blood-thirsty kingdom headquartered at Harvest House. What he lacks in intellect and wisdom, Tsvangirai seeks to make up for in violence and intimidation. Such an individual is not one who should be entrusted to lead any country, street protest or church choir, as doing so will likely lead to violence and blood-letting.

At a time when Government is busy engaging with investors and the international community, results of which are already being seen on the ground, Zimbabwe does not need its peace to be rocked by toyi-toying MDC-T vampires that are looking to externalise the violence in their party.

What are needed are sober, coherent meetings of concerned citizens with the brains and wherewithal to bolster the country's economy. Zimbabwe is a democratic country and respects citizens' rights to express themselves. However, this right should not be abused to score cheap political points at the expense of the country's infrastructure and economy.

Tsvangirai needs to understand that to be a successful politician, let alone run a country, one requires a functioning accredited brain, wisdom and wit. Since that gentleman appears to lack in all these areas, he should try his luck at the sport of boxing, where brute force and blood thirst are applauded, and leave politics to real politicians.